‘Wild’ North Korean special forces guard President Maduro

General Kim Yong-chol, who is close to Kim Jong-un, stands behind those units. He also heads special forces and the United Front Work Department. This organization is responsible for cooperation with 'friendly parties' of North Korea.

In May 2016 the North Korean special forces take part in joint drills with their colleagues from the Venezuelan Group of special operations (Groupo de Acciones Commando), as well as some Chinese military from the 21st Armed Group of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Caracas.

The Pyongyang authorities also actively cooperate with other countries of the Latin America. In March 2016 Pyongyang signed a close deal with Cuba on military cooperation and intelligence sharing.